There was a real 'I'm not angry, I'm disappointed' feel about Roy Keane's analysis as he spoke about Ireland's defeat to Luxembourg.
"It was difficult, a tough night," a sombre Keane said on ITV during their coverage of England and Albania's World Cup qualifier.
"Ireland must be rock bottom for the group of players. Real lack of quality. A lot of the players now for Ireland are playing at the Championship level. The big concern, when your best player - Seamus Coleman - is a fullback, it's not a good sign. Tough days ahead."
Keane had plenty of sympathy for Stephen Kenny as he attempts to change Ireland's style of play.
"He's got his ways," said the former Ireland assistant manager.
"He's trying to play with more possession. He's trying to play through the team. The stats are scary for Ireland: the lack of goals, the lack of goalscorers. It's difficult for Stephen Kenny. It's been tough going for him.
"I analyse nearly all the Irish players nearly every weekend, and none of them are doing too much at club level; they're doing OK, and they're honest but a lot of them are playing in the Championship.
"When they turn up for Ireland, and the manager has them for three or four days, it's very difficult. Then when the manager is trying to have this style of play where it's about possession, it's very difficult, especially if the players aren't up to it.
"The best player Ireland have, by far, is Seamus Coleman. He's playing for a brilliant club in Everton but they don't play European football, they don't challenge for trophies. It's a long way back for Ireland."
See Also: Brian Kerr Lays Out Long-Term Cause Of Defeat To Luxembourg
